FAR Flashcards
Which organization’s standards are the most authoritative in the hierarchy of international accounting?
The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB)
Where is the first place management should look for guidance on international recognition and accounting policies?
The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) issued by the IASB
Which framework helps to develop standards for international accounting?
The IASB Framework
- The framework is NOT a standard itself
- The framework does not supersede any standard’s authority
What is the objective of the IFRS framework?
To provide users with information on international accounting.
Which assumptions are followed within the IRFS framework?
Entity is a Going Concern
Entity uses the accrual basis of accounting.
What are the Qualitative Characteristics of accounting information within IFRS?
Relevance & Faithful Representation
Relevance - Makes a difference to the user
Includes:
Predictive Value - Future Trends
Confirming Value - Past Predictions
Faithful Representation
Includes:
Completeness - Nothing omitted that would impact the decision-making of a user
Neutrality - Information is presented is without bias
Free from Error - No material errors or omissions
What are the Enhancing Characteristics of IFRS?
Comparability - Allows users to compare different items among various periods
Verifiability - Different people would reach a similar conclusion on the information presented
Timeliness - Information is made available early enough to impact the decision making of users
Understandability - Information is easy to understand
How does comparability differ under GAAP versus IFRS?
Comparative information from prior year is required under IFRS.
GAAP requires that if multiple years are presented they are consistently prepared however it doesn’t require prior year comparative statements.
What is the Pervasive Constraint within IFRS?
Cost vs. Benefit
Which items are considered reporting elements under IFRS?
Asset Liability Equity Income Expense
What are the criteria for recognition on IFRS financial statements?
Probable future economic benefit
Can be measured reliably
If the value or outcome cannot be measured reliably IFRS requires the use of the Cost Recovery Method.
When transitioning to IFRS what type of financial statement must be produced for the first reporting period?
A full comparative statement using IFRS.
If IFRS was implemented in June 2012 for use in the December 31 2012 financial statements what is the Date of Transition?
January 1 2011 because a full year of comparative statements is required from the previous year
For Property Plant and Equipment which election is the most efficient method for converting assets to IFRS?
The Fair Value election
Where on the financial statements are adjustments for adopting to IFRS made?
In the entity’s retained earnings or equity
How is going concern different under IFRS than from GAAP?
Going Concern is an assumption under IFRS
How are extraordinary items treated under IFRS?
IFRS doesn’t allow extraordinary items.
How is the completed contract method used under IFRS?
Completed contract method is not allowed under IFRS.
How is LIFO treated under IFRS?
IFRS does not allow LIFO.
Which financial statements are required under IFRS?
Statement of Comprehensive Income
Statement of Changes in Equity
How is the term income used in IFRS?
Income is used instead of revenue and encompasses BOTH revenue and gains.
How is the term profit used in IFRS?
In IFRS the term profit is used instead of Net Income.
How does IFRS treat gains?
They are treated the same as revenue and are not separated on the financial statements.
How does IFRS treat losses?
In IFRS losses are treated the same as expenses but they ARE separated on the financial statements.
How does refinancing of current liabilities to long-term liabilities under IFRS differ from GAAP?
Under IFRS current liabilities can only be refinanced into a non-current liability if the refinance agreement is EXECUTED prior to the balance sheet date.
GAAP requires only intent to refinance not actual execution.
How do contingent liabilities differ between GAAP and IFRS?
Under GAAP there are three classifications of contingent liabilities - Probable Reasonably Possible and Remote.
Under IFRS contingencies are uncertain future events and are classified as a provision if probable and measurable even if uncertain in timing or amount.
How are bonds recorded under IFRS?
Bonds may be recorded on the Statement of Financial Position using one of two methods
Fair Value through profit or loss
- Liability revalued at the end of each period
- Gain or Loss recognized in period
Amortized Cost
*Using Effective Interest Method
How are deferred taxes treated under IFRS?
They use the liability method - all deferred tax liabilities must be reported but only probable deferred tax assets can be reported.
They are non-current on the statement of financial position.
When can deferred tax assets and liabilities be netted under IFRS?
ONLY if they are related to the same country/taxing authority
For example China Deferred Tax Assets can’t offset Japan Deferred Tax Liabilities
Which tax rates are used for calculating deferred tax assets/liabilities under IFRS?
The enacted rate or substantially enacted tax rate.
GAAP is the enacted tax rate only
Which items are recorded on the Income Statement in IFRS?
Income Finance Costs Tax Expense Discontinued Ops Profit/Loss Non-controlling interest in Profit/Loss Net profit/loss attributable from equity
How are property plant and equipment (PP&E) recorded and valued under IFRS?
Recorded at cost
Valued using either:
Cost model - asset carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment loss
Revaluation model - asset adjusted to fair value less accumulated depreciation
What are the requirements for using the revaluation model for PP&E under IFRS?
Asset must be able to be reliably measured
Must be applied to whole class of assets not just one asset
No guidance on how often assets should be revalued under IFRS
How is investment property reported under IFRS?
Initially recorded at cost
Revalued using either Fair Value model or Cost model
How is profit or loss recorded in the current period for investment property under the Fair Value model of IFRS?
Recorded on the Income Statement
Investment P/L : IS
PP&E P/L : OCI
Under IFRS how is investment property reported under the Cost Model?
Carried at Cost minus Accumulated Depreciation
Fair Value must still be disclosed in the notes to the financial statements
How are leases reported under IFRS?
Operating Leases can be recorded as Investment Property if measured at Fair Value
All other investment property must use Fair Value Model if one asset uses it
How are intangible assets valued under IFRS?
Using either the Cost Model (cost less Accumulated Depreciation and Impairment Loss)
or
the Revaluation Model (Fair Value less Accumulated Depreciation)
How is internally generated goodwill reported under IFRS?
It is not recognized.
How is amortization of intangibles handled under IFRS?
If asset has a finite life it is amortized over useful life.
If asset has indefinite life it is not amortized but is tested for impairment at the reporting date.
When must a lease be recorded as a Finance Lease under IFRS?
If the substantial risks of ownership have passed to the Lessee then the Lease must be accounted for as a Finance Lease
How are defined benefit plans recorded under IFRS?
Project-unit-credit method calculates the PV of the defined benefit obligation
How are interest expense and/or finance costs classified on an IFRS statement of cash flows?
They can be classified as either Operating or Financing
Once a classification is chosen all future costs must be classified there
How are significant non-cash transactions recorded on an IFRS statement of cash flows?
They must be included in the notes to the financial statements.
Which costs are inventoriable?
Purchases - Net of Discounts, Freight, Warehouse expenditures
When does ownership of goods transfer when shipped FOB Shipping Point?
FOB Shipping Point puts the inventory into the hands of the buyer from the loading dock
When does ownership transfer when goods are sent FOB Destination?
FOB Destination keeps the items in the seller’s inventory until it reaches the buyer
Which costs are non-inventoriable?
Sales Commissions
Interest on liabilities to vendors
Shipping expense to customers
When are discounts recorded under the gross method?
Under the gross method, discounts are recorded only when used.
Under the net method, when are discounts recorded?
Under the net method, discounts are recorded whether used or not.
Unused discounts are allocated to financing expense.
How is gross margin calculated?
Gross Margin : Sales - COGS (BI + P - EI)
Describe the periodic inventory system.
Inventory is counted at certain times throughout the period
Weighted-average cost flow method is used.
Describe the perpetual inventory system.
Inventory count continually updated
Uses a moving-average cost flow method
In periods of rising prices, under which cost flow system would ending inventory be the same under both periodic and perpetual inventory methods?
Under the FIFO system, periodic and perpetual inventory methods will both have the same ending inventory.
How is inventory turnover calculated?
COGS / Average Inventory
How is Average Day’s Sales in inventory calculated?
365 / Inventory Turnover
Under a consignment system, who holds the consigned goods in inventory?
The CONSIGNOR holds the consigned items in their inventory count. The cost includes the shipping to the consignee.
Under a consignment system, does the consignee hold consignment inventory in their own inventory?
No. Consignment goods are maintained in the inventory of the consignor, not the consignee.
What effect does overstatement or understatement of inventory have on ending retained earnings?
Misstatement of beginning inventory does NOT have an effect on ending retained earnings.
Misstatement of ENDING inventory does have an effect on retained earnings.
How does misstatement of ending inventory effect Ending Retained Earnings?
EI Over : COGS Under : ERE Over
EI Under : COGS Over : ERE Under
Which costs are included in COGS first under the FIFO (first in first out) system?
The first (oldest) inventory you have in stock is the first inventory you record for COGS purposes. If your oldest inventory on the shelf cost you $1 when you bought it, COGS is $1
This is just for inventory pricing. It has nothing to do with physically selling the oldest item on the shelf - It is purely for accounting purposes
Which costs are included in COGS under the LIFO (last in first out) system?
The last (newest) inventory you have in stock is the first inventory you record for COGS purposes. If your newest inventory on the shelf cost you $1.50 when you bought it, COGS is $1.50
How is Weighted Average Cost Per Unit calculated under a weighted average inventory system?
COGAS / Total Units : Weighted Average Cost Per Unit
How does FIFO’s COGS relate to LIFO’s in a time of changing prices?
FIFO’s relationship to COGS will be opposite LIFO’s relationship to COGS in periods of falling/rising prices.
How do FIFO and LIFO change in a period of rising prices?
FIFO has the Lowest COGS
FIFO is a cat that sees a mouse starts Low and is Rising
If COGS is Low, that means EI is High
How do FIFO and LIFO change in a period of falling prices?
FIFO has the Highest COGS
Remember: FIFO, that silly cat, got High from Catnip and is Falling off the couch
If COGS is High, that means EI is Low
Under a Lower of Cost or Market, how are the benchmarks calculated?
Market Ceiling : Net Realizable Value : Selling Price - Selling Costs
Market : Replacement Cost
Market Floor : Net Realizable Value - Normal Profit
How are Available-For-Sale securities recorded on the Balance Sheet?
At Fair value as either Current or Non-current assets.
How are Available-For-Sale security Unrealized G/L treated?
Included in OCI (Other Comprehensive Income)
How are Unrealized G/L for Available-For-Sale securities that are reclassified to Held-to-Maturity or Trading Securities treated?
HTM - Stockholder’s Equity
/ Trading Securities - Current Period.
How are Held-to-Maturity securities recorded on the Balance Sheet?
Amortized cost as Current or Non-current assets.
If reclassified as AFS - Unrealized G/L go to Stockholder’s Equity
If reclassified as Trading Securities - Unrealized G/L recognized in Current Period
How are Held-to-Maturity securities Unrealized G/L treated?
Trick question - Unrealized gains or losses are not applicable because they are HTM
How are Trading Securities recorded on the Balance Sheet?
At Fair Value as a Current Asset
Unrealized gains/losses are recorded on the Income Statement
If they are reclassified as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale- there is no effect upon transfer.
How are Trading Securities Unrealized G/L treated?
Recorded on the Income Statement
If they are reclassified as HTM or AFS - there is no effect upon transfer.
How is a Capital Lease recorded?
Capitalize at cost: Asset & Liability Recorded at Present Value of Future Lease Payments
What footnote disclosures are required for a Capital Lease?
Future minimum rental commitments
By year - for 5 years
All remaining years as a group
What are the requirements for a Capital Lease for a lessor?
Same as for lessee (Title- BPO or Substance)- PLUS:
Collectability of lease payments is predictable
No uncertainties about the lessor reimbursing the lessee for costs incurred
What are the characteristics of an Operating Lease for a lessee?
Risk of ownership does NOT pass
No asset or liability is recorded on the financial statements
Leasehold improvements - capitalized and depreciated over the lesser of lease life or leasehold improvement’s life.
What are the characteristics of an Operating Lease for a LESSOR?
Rent revenue recorded
Leased property remains an asset and depreciated by lessor
If payments fluctuate over the term of the lease- rent revenue recognized on a straight line basis
What are the characteristics of a Direct Financing Lease?
Interest Revenue (or expense for lessor) decreases with passage of time
Principal amount increases with each payment
Carrying amount of Lease decreases
How is a sale-leaseback recorded?
Any profit on the sale is deferred and amortized
Exception: If PV of lease payments is 10% or less of the asset’s FMV- the gain is recognized
If PV of lease payments is greater than 10% of FMV and the lease is operating- all of the gain is recognized except the amount of the PV of the lease payments
What are the characteristics of lease payments under an annuity due situation?
Payments begin at the start of the lease period
Think: Rent/Mortgage payments are Due at the first of the month
What are the characteristics of lease payments under an ordinary annuity situation?
Payments begin after the end of the first year
Think: An annuity that pays you at the end of each year
What are the characteristics of a Capital Lease for a lessee?
Risk of ownership passes to lessee by:
Title,
Bargain Purchase Option (BPO),
Substance - Lease is more than 75% of asset’s useful life or PV of minimum lease payments are more than 90% of fair value
Which financial statements are required for not - for - profit organizations?
Statement of Financial Position
Statement of Activities
Statement of Cash Flows
Statement of Functional Expense (Volunteer Health Organizations Only)
What are the major classifications found on a Statement of Financial Position?
Similar to Balance Sheet:
Assets
Liabilities
Net Assets
Unrestricted Assets
Permanently Restricted Assets
Temporarily Restricted Assets
What are the major classifications in a Statement of Activities?
Similar to an Income Statement - organization - wide:
Revenues
Expenses - ONLY deducted from Unrestricted Revenues
Gains and Losses
Changes in Net Asset classes
Unrestricted
Permanently Restricted
Temporarily Restricted
What are the characteristics of a Statement of Cash Flows for not - for - profits? What are the major classifications?
Both direct and indirect methods are OK
Operating Activities - Unrestricted Revenues and Unrestricted Expenses
Investing Activities
Financing Activities - Endowments and restricted contributions
Which organizations are required to present a Statement of Functional Expenses?
Volunteer Health Organizations
Which statements are required for non - governmental hospitals?
Balance Sheet
Statement of Operations
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
Statement of Cash Flows
Financial Statement Notes
Which basis of accounting is used for revenues and net assets?
Accrual basis of accounting is used
Only external parties can restrict the use of assets (permanent or temporary)
Assets earmarked internally by management are still classified as unrestricted
What are the characteristics of unrestricted assets or revenue?
No restrictions or conditions placed on entity in order to use the resources
Note: assets earmarked internally by management are still unrestricted
When are revenues on contributions recognized?
Revenues on contributions are recognized in the year received - not the year the contribution is spent and are recorded at Fair Value on the date received
When are services rendered considered contributions?
If the organization would have otherwise paid for them
or
They increase the value of a non - monetary asset
Is hospital charity care revenue?
NO.
It is disclosed in the notes to the financial statements only.
How are unconditional pledges to contribute recorded?
Classified as revenue in the current year only - multi - year future contributions fall under Temporarily Restricted.
Which revenues are expenses deducted from?
Expenses ONLY deducted from Unrestricted Revenues - not Temporary or Permanently Restricted Revenues/Assets
What are the characteristics of temporarily restricted assets/revenue?
Use is restricted to a future time - which could then convert to unrestricted - Class: Temp. Restricted Revenue
Unrestricted contributions promised (including multi - year contributions) - but not yet received are actually restricted by time and are therefore classified as Temporarily Restricted Assets - Multi - year contributions are recorded at the present value of the future contributions
What are the characteristics of an endowment?
Use of investment is restricted - but income from investment could be either restricted or unrestricted
Must be under control of receiving entity (Quasi Endowment) in order to be recorded in unrestricted net assets
Otherwise - a memo entry is recorded
When is the donation of an art collection recognized as a contribution or asset?
Not recognized as assets or contribution revenue if they are held of display or education’ or their sale results in the purchase of similar items
When both Temporarily Restricted Assets and Unrestricted Assets are available for use - which assets are used first?
Temporarily restricted assets are used before Unrestricted assets.
How is a refundable advance recorded by a not for profit?
Classified as a Liability
Promise to contribute assets pending on certain conditions being met
Becomes unconditional once the possibility that it won’t happen is remote
How are investments recorded and valued in not - for - profit accounting?
Fair Value is mostly used
Exception - Equity method used when significant influence exists
How are scholarships recorded?
As a reduction of revenue - netted against college’s tuition
How is depreciation expense recorded by a not - for - profit?
Depreciation expense is allocated proportionately to various functions
How are capital contributions with a mortgage attached recorded in a partnership for financial statement purposes?
Calculating the capital balance when property contributed has a mortgage results in the FV of the Asset being netted against the Liability
If no goodwill is recorded upon admission of a new partner - which method is used for recording the new partner’s interest?
The bonus method:
Old Partnership Equity+ New Partner Contribution
: New Partnership Equity
x New Partner %
: New Partner Equity AmountNew Partner Contribution - New Partner Equity Amount
: Bonus to Prior Partners using same allocation as P/L
If goodwill is recorded upon admission of a new partner - how is the partner’s interest recorded?
Using the goodwill method:
New Contribution / New Equity % : Partnership Value
Implied Value of Partnership - Capital Accounts of all partners
: Goodwill to Old Partners
Under the Goodwill Method - the new Partner is paying an amount for a certain percentage stake in the partnership. For instance if they pay $1000 for a 25% stake - then it is assumed that the Partnership is worth $4 -000 ($1 -000/25%)
At what value should assets contributed to a partnership be recorded? What value for liabilities assumed by the partnership?
Fair Value for assets contributed.
Present value of remaining cash flows for liabilities assumed.
What items are included in operating activities on the Statement of Cash Flows?
Cash received from Customers- Interest & Dividends- Trading Securities
Cash paid to Vendors- Suppliers- Interest- Taxes- Trading Securities
What items are included in investing activities on a Statement of Cash Flows?
Cash received: Sale of PP&E- Sale of Investments- Loan Principle
Cash paid: Loans- Acquisitions- AFS or HTM Securities- Taxes- Trading Securities
What items are included in Financing Activities in a Statement of Cash Flows?
Cash received: Issuance of Stock- Issuance of Debt
Cash paid: Dividends
What is the direct method for a Statement of Cash Flows?
Starts with Income from Continuing Operations
Adjusts for changes in accounts like A/R- A/P- Inventory and non-cash revenues- expenses- gains- losses
If used- the Indirect Method must also be shown
What is the Indirect Method for a Statement of Cash Flows?
Starts with Net Income
Adjusts for changes in accounts like A/R- A/P- Inventory and non-cash revenues- expenses- gains- losses
How are changes in accounting principle applied?
Retrospective Application:
Prior Periods adjusted
Retained Earnings adjusted
Completed Contract to % Completion
Ex: LIFO to FIFO
Would a change from Completed Contract to Percentage of Completion be a change in accounting principle- or a change of estimate?
How would it be applied?
A change of principle.
Applied retrospectively.
Would a change from LIFO to FIFO be a change in accounting principle or a change of estimate?
How would this change be applied?
A change in accounting principle.
Applied retrospectively.
How is a change in accounting estimate applied?
A change in accounting estimate is applied prospectively (going forward).
No backwards adjustment is made.
Would a change from straight line depreciation to double declining balance be a change in accounting principle or a change in estimate?
How would this change be applied?
Change in depreciation method would be a change in accounting estimate.
It is applied prospectively.
How is a correction of an accounting error made?
Cumulative effect of error gets adjusted to the beginning balances of assets and liabilities in the earliest period presented in the comparative statements.
The correction of the error must be included in the footnotes.
What are the requirements for a prior period adjustment?
Effect is Material
Is identifiable in Prior Period
Couldn’t be estimated in Prior Periods
How is a change from a non-GAAP accounting method to a GAAP method recorded?
It is treated as a correction of an accounting error.
Cumulative effect of error gets adjusted to the beginning balances of assets and liabilities in the earliest period presented in the comparative statements
Correction of the error must be included in the footnotes
How does an inventory error effect the financial statements?
Effect on Ending Inventory : Effect on Net Income
If one is overstated- both overstated. If one is understated- both understated.
Misstating inventory corrects itself after TWO periods.
How is a change in entity recorded?
Applied retrospectively.
All prior periods presented for comparative purposes must reflect the change
Footnote disclosures must be made
Changing to Consolidated Statements
What is a serial bond?
Any bond that matures in installments
What is a term bond?
Any bond that matures on a single date
What is a debenture bond?
A bond not secured by any collateral
What is a sinking fund bond?
Cash is held in a sinking fund for repayment of bond at maturity
5 years of requirements and maturity details should be disclosed
What is the formula to calculate proceeds of a bond sale?
Present Value of the principal payment at maturity+ Present Value of Interest Payments made
: Market Value of Bond Proceeds
How is the present value of a bond calculated?
Step 1: PV of $1 @ Yield Rate (not Stated Rate)
x Bond Face Value
PLUS
Step 2: PV of an Ordinary Annuity of $1 for Term @Yield
x (Stated Rate x Face)